Cuba: Tips and Tricks

Cuba: A country filled with beauty, tradition and overall abundance of history.  I had the opportunity to travel there and learn a bit more about the culture and pride that fill the hearts of the Cuban people.  I have received many requests for tips on how to travel to Cuba and any important things to remember.  Here is the list of the twelve most valuable tips I used on my journey.

1.    Money Exchange

 Be aware that Cuba does maintain two currencies.  The CUP is the currency of the locals and is exchanged at a rate of 25:1 with the CUC, the currency that you will be swapping your currency for upon arrival.  The CUC is valued around 1.25:1 with the Euro so it should be easy to approximate.

• I highly recommend exchanging your local currency for either British Pounds or Euros before you head to the airport.  Often, the airport exchange will offer a much lower rate and a higher fee so try a bank instead.  Verify the market exchange rates BEFORE you go so you can get the most for your money.
• Important note for U.S Travels: The USD exchange rate in Cuba has a tax of 10% plus another 3% for additional fees.

2.    Print all your paperwork and documents BEFORE you leave

This includes ticket confirmations, baggage information if you plan on checking, car confirmations, tour info, and any paperwork associated with your accommodations.  The Cuban airport WILL try to charge you for your bag if you can’t prove you paid for it first.

3.    Bring Toilet Paper (especially if you are a female)

Many of the public restrooms that you will encounter in Cuba will likely not have toilet paper.  Some places sell TP in dispensers for 1 CUC but better just to have a roll handy when you need it.

4.  Know some basic Spanish

“Hola,” “Dónde está el baño?” or my personal favorite “Una cerveza porfavor.” Basic Spanish will get you somewhere in Cuba. Most people know a little bit of English and they will respect you for trying to speak even just the tad bit you learned in high school. When all else fails, get a phrase book or you know…there’s an app for that.

5.    Always buy bottled water

 The Cuban plumbing system is old, therefore there has been many cases of people getting sick from the water (especially as a tourist).  We bought a case of water and we took a bottle everywhere.  There are also vendors EVERYWHERE that sell either 500ml or 1.0l bottles of water.

6. Buy a Wi-Fi card if you want internet

 In Cuba, there is little to no internet except in designated Wi-Fi hotspot.  These are easy to spot as they generally have a crowd of people around them.  Wi-Fi costs about $3 CUC for 1 hour and access comes in the form of a card, similar to a pay-as-you-go cell phone. There are usually people selling them in in the public Wi-Fi areas so you won’t have to look far.

Wi-Fi card

7.    Eat. The. Food.

 In Cuba, they don’t have big chain or fast food restaurants.  There are a lot of local places to eat.  We had the opportunity to eat at a typical “paladera” which is a restaurant that is run out of a home.  It is a great way to support local business.  In Cuba, much of the food you eat is locally sourced and nutritious.  Prices are always fair and can range from a (really good) 3.50 CUC cheese pizza to a 20 CUC 4-course spread with drinks and after dinner coffee.  Don’t forget a good tip!  Wages in Cuba are low but there is no income tax so your 10 CUC tip will be a great help to these home-grown businesses.

8.  Bring make more cash than you think you need

Most of Cuba is a cash economy.  The country is cut off from the world banks so your credit or debit card will NOT work.  If you plan on doing tours, plan about 175 CUC per person for that and another 20-30 CUC per day for food and souvenirs.  Note: You can only take back to your country of origin roughly $100 worth of cigars and $400 worth of souvenirs.

9.  Bring basic toiletries (Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap, ibuprofen, ect.)

You never know where you will be able to find these items.  It may be a smart move to bring these things with you on your trip.  Make a checklist a while before your trip of things you use regularly and make sure that they all come with you.

10.  Stay current in Cuba

o   If you are looking for a good iPhone app to guide you through Havana, Havana Good Time is for you.  They usually keep up to date accounts on Cuba and holds more than just regular tourist spots.

11.  Pre-load your GPS maps

If you are looking for a good map to use when roaming around Havana, Galileo Offline Maps allows you to use your phone’s GPS to show you your location.  Make sure you load it on our phone BEFORE your trip.  Side note: You do have to pay for this app, however it will be worth it to you.

12.  Don’t be afraid to explore!

I have lived and traveled to several countries and I have never felt safer.  In Cuba (especially in Havana), they take their public safety very seriously.  As we walked around in Havana, there was no shortage of police officers patrolling the streets.   They were all very friendly and helpful.  I never felt uncomfortable walking anywhere, even at night.  The entire atmosphere is one of safety and comfortability.

Cuba is full of history and beauty.  Our experience was extremely positive and we will be going back again.  If you have any more specific questions, please feel free to write to add a comment!

Thanks again and remember to travel!